MARVIN L. TURNER

A service to celebrate Marvin's life will be held on Monday, April 16, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Saulston United Methodist Church, of which he was a faithful member. Rev. Carolyn Simms and Rev. Dr. H. Dennis Draper Jr. will officiate. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.

Marvin was born in Little Rock, Ark. on Feb. 27, 1934, to the late Francis Cutler Turner and Mable Marie Nanney Turner. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 24 years and retired with the rank of major. While serving his country, Marvin was awarded numerous decorations, some of which include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

Marvin lived a life of dedication to his family and friends, and to his community. He served his community in many ways which include volunteering at Wayne Memorial Hospital as well as delivering Meals on Wheels. Marvin also served as an E.M.S. first responder for the Saulston Fire Department. He was a member of the New Hope Ruritan Club and a life member of the National Rifle Association.

Marvin is survived by his wife of 58 years, the Rev. Joann H. Turner; his daughter, Debra Strother and husband, John, of Spring Lake; his son, David Turner and wife, Denise, of Gloucester, Va.; his grandchildren, David Turner, Ariel Strother, Matthew Strother, Victoria Turner and James Turner; and his four great-grandchildren, Aedan Turner, Reese Turner, Danielle Strother and Dylan Strother. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Cooke and husband, Ernest, of Idaho; his sister-in-law, Martha Turner of Atlanta, Ga.; and special friends, Virginia and Bill Posey of Goldsboro.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, James Millard Turner.